Input devices with adjustable click force

ABSTRACT

According to various embodiments, an input device may be provided. The input device may include: a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion; a key top provided at the upper portion; a lever member coupled to the lower portion via a joint; a plunger; and a switch including a depressible portion coupleable to the key top via the lever member and the plunger; wherein the plunger is coupleable to the lever member at a distance from the joint which is different from a distance from the joint at which the depressible portion is coupleable to the lever member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments generally relate to input devices.

BACKGROUND

While micro-switches of various click forces exist, once a click forcehas been set for a micro-switch at the manufacturer level, it is notpossible for the user to alter this force. As a result, users may belimited to the click force that a mouse comes with, by default. Thus,there may be a need for an improved click mechanism. Problems withexisting mice that allow adjustable click forces are amongst others,reducing accidental clicks, enabling users to get higher click speeds asdesired, adjust tactile feel and latency of the keys.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,537,114 discloses a mouse device which is operable witha variable button-pressing force. The mouse device includes a mousebase, a mouse case, a button disposed on the mouse case, a pressingplate contacted with the button, and the sliding member contacted withthe pressing plate. The sliding member is partially protruded out of themouse base, and movable with respect to the mouse base. When the slidingmember is moved to a first position and contacted with a first touchingpart of the pressing plate, the force required for pressing the buttonis equal to a first downward external force. Whereas, when the slidingmember is moved to a second position and contacted with a secondtouching part of the pressing plate, the force required for pressing thebutton is equal to a second downward external force.

US20110069008 discloses a mouse structure with click force adjustablefunction, which comprises a shell, a circuit board module, and at leastone adjustable mechanism. The adjustable mechanism is setting inside theshell, and comprises a supporting body, an adjustable plate and anadjustable component. The adjustable mechanism is adjusted via theadjustable component, so that the place the free-end of the adjustableplate touching the key portion is changed, and the force the adjustableplate clicking the switch module is accordingly changed, which providesfunction that the user can adjust the click force finely to a suitableone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to various embodiments, an input device may be provided. Theinput device may include: a housing having an upper portion and a lowerportion; a key top provided at the upper portion; a lever member coupledto the lower portion via a joint; a plunger; and a switch including adepressible portion coupleable to the key top via the lever member andthe plunger; wherein the plunger is coupleable to the lever member at adistance from the joint which is different from a distance from thejoint at which the depressible portion is coupleable to the lever member

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarilyto scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating theprinciples of the invention. The dimensions of the various features orelements may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In thefollowing description, various embodiments of the invention aredescribed with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6show various input devices according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the input device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the input device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the input device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a lever and key mechanism providedin the input device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 shows a further perspective view of the lever and key mechanismshown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the lever and key mechanism shown inFIG. 10; and

FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B, FIG. 14A, and FIG. 14B show side views of inputdevices according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B show diagrams illustrating the various distancesin an input device according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawingsthat show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments inwhich the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinvention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, and logicalchanges may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.The various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as someembodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to formnew embodiments.

In this context, the input device as described in this description mayinclude a memory which is for example used in the processing carried outin the input device. A memory used in the embodiments may be a volatilememory, for example a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or anon-volatile memory, for example a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory),an EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), or aflash memory, e.g., a floating gate memory, a charge trapping memory, anMRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory) or a PCRAM (Phase ChangeRandom Access Memory).

In an embodiment, a “circuit” may be understood as any kind of a logicimplementing entity, which may be special purpose circuitry or aprocessor executing software stored in a memory, firmware, or anycombination thereof. Thus, in an embodiment, a “circuit” may be ahard-wired logic circuit or a programmable logic circuit such as aprogrammable processor, e.g. a microprocessor (e.g. a ComplexInstruction Set Computer (CISC) processor or a Reduced Instruction SetComputer (RISC) processor). A “circuit” may also be a processorexecuting software, e.g. any kind of computer program, e.g. a computerprogram using a virtual machine code such as e.g. Java. Any other kindof implementation of the respective functions which will be described inmore detail below may also be understood as a “circuit” in accordancewith an alternative embodiment.

In the specification the term “comprising” shall be understood to have abroad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood toimply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers orsteps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group ofintegers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on theterm “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and shouldnot be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that thereferenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge inAustralia (or any other country).

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put intopractical effect, particular embodiments will now be described by way ofexamples and not limitations, and with reference to the figures.

Various embodiments are provided for devices, and various embodimentsare provided for methods. It will be understood that basic properties ofthe devices also hold for the methods and vice versa. Therefore, forsake of brevity, duplicate description of such properties may beomitted.

It will be understood that any property described herein for a specificdevice may also hold for any device described herein. It will beunderstood that any property described herein for a specific method mayalso hold for any method described herein. Furthermore, it will beunderstood that for any device or method described herein, notnecessarily all the components or steps described must be enclosed inthe device or method, but only some (but not all) components or stepsmay be enclosed.

The term “coupled” (or “connected”) herein may be understood aselectrically coupled or as mechanically coupled, for example attached orfixed or attached, or just in contact without any fixation, and it willbe understood that both direct coupling or indirect coupling (in otherwords: coupling without direct contact) may be provided.

According to various embodiments, a key force adjustment for a mouse maybe provided. According to various embodiments, a mechanism for adjustingthe click force and tactile feel for a mouse may be provided.

While micro-switches of various click forces exist, once a click forcehas been set for a micro-switch at the manufacturer level, it is notpossible for the user to alter this force. As a result, users may belimited to the click force that the mouse comes with, by default.According to various embodiments, an improved click mechanism may beprovided.

According to various embodiments, a mechanism in a mouse may be providedwhich may enable to add another level of customizability for mice. Userswho accidentally click their mouse button may want to increase theirclick force, while those who want faster response in-game may choose todecrease click force needed. Users may also be able to experiment withdifferent click forces to find their most preferred tactile feed orincrease click speed which is desirable for certain games such as MOBA(Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) and RTS (real-time strategy) games.

FIG. 1A shows an input device 122 according to various embodiments. Theinput device 122 may include a housing 124 having (in other words:including) an upper portion and a lower portion. The input device 122may further include a key top 126 provided at the upper portion. Theinput device 122 may further include a lever member 128 (in other words:lever element) coupled to the lower portion via a joint. The joint maybe included in the input device 122. The input device 122 may furtherinclude a plunger 130. The input device 122 may further include a switch132 including a depressible portion coupleable to the key top 126 viathe lever member 128 and the plunger 130. The plunger 130 may becoupleable to the lever member 128 at a distance from the joint which isdifferent from a distance from the joint at which the depressibleportion is coupleable to the lever member 128. The housing 124, the keytop 126, the lever member 128, the plunger 130, and the switch 132 maybe coupled with each other, like indicated by lines 134, for exampleelectrically coupled, for example using a line or a cable, and/ormechanically coupled.

In other words, according to various embodiments, an input device may beprovided in which a key top may engage via a plunger with a lever memberto depress a switch, wherein a depressible portion of the switch isengageable with the lever member at a distance different from a distanceat which the plunger is engageable with the lever member.

According to various embodiments, the plunger 130 may be coupleable tothe lever member 128 at a distance from the joint which is larger than adistance from the joint at which the depressible portion is coupleableto the lever member 128.

According to various embodiments, the plunger 130 may be coupleable tothe lever member 128 at a distance from the joint which is smaller thana distance from the joint at which the depressible portion is coupleableto the lever member 128.

According to various embodiments, the input device 122 may furtherinclude a biasing element (not shown in FIG. 1A) including a first endand a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the key top 126,and wherein the second end is coupled to the lower portion. According tovarious embodiments, the input device 122 may further include anadjustment mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1A) configured to adjust apretension of the biasing element.

According to various embodiments, the biasing element may include aspring.

According to various embodiments, the spring may include or may be atleast one of a linear spring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, or aspring plate.

According to various embodiments, the key top 126 may the plunger 130.

According to various embodiments, the plunger 130 may be configured todepress the switch 132.

According to various embodiments, the switch 132 may include or may be amechanical switch.

According to various embodiments, the mechanical switch may include ormay be a micro switch.

According to various embodiments, the switch may include a rubber dome.

According to various embodiments, the second end may be directly coupledto the lower portion.

According to various embodiments, the second end may be surrounded by athreaded insert.

According to various embodiments, the second end may be coupled to thelower portion via the lever member 128.

According to various embodiments, the lever member 128 may be coupled tothe key top 126 so that when the key top 126 is depressed, the biasingelement is depressed.

According to various embodiments, the lever member 128 may include thejoint.

According to various embodiments, the second end may be coupled to thelower portion via the switch 132.

According to various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may beaccessible via the lower portion.

According to various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may includeor may be a screw.

According to various embodiments, the second end may be surrounded by athreaded insert configured to engage with the screw.

According to various embodiments, the lower portion may include a holeconfigured to expose the screw.

According to various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may includeor may be a dial.

According to various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may includeor may be a sliding element.

According to various embodiments, the sliding element may be configuredto be slided in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to adirection between the first end and the second end.

According to various embodiments, the input device 122 may include ormay be or may be included in at least one of a computer mouse, ajoystick, a gamepad, or a keyboard.

According to various embodiments, the upper portion may include afurther key top coupled to a further switch and to a further biasingelement. According to various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism mayfurther be configured to adjust a pretension of the further biasingelement.

FIG. 1B shows an input device 100 according to various embodiments. Theinput device 100 may include a housing 102. The housing 102 may includean upper portion and a lower portion. The input device 100 may furtherinclude a key top 104 provided at (for example on) the upper portion ofthe housing 102. The input device 100 may further include a switch 106coupled to the key top 104. The input device 100 may further include abiasing element 108 (in other words: biasing member; for example aspring or any other kind of biasing mechanism) having a first end and asecond end. The first end may be coupled to the key top 104. The secondend may be coupled to the lower portion of the housing 102. The inputdevice 100 may further include an adjustment mechanism 110 configured toadjust a pretension of the biasing element 108. The housing 102, the keytop 104, the switch 106, the biasing element 108, and the adjustmentmechanism 110 may be coupled with each other, like indicated by lines112, for example electrically coupled, for example using a line or acable, and/or mechanically coupled.

In other words, an adjustment mechanism may be provided in an inputdevice, and the adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust apretension of a biasing element connected to a key top.

According to various embodiments, the biasing element 108 may include ormay be a spring.

According to various embodiments, the spring may include or may be alinear spring, and/or a torsion spring, and/or a leaf spring, and/or aspring plate.

According to various embodiments, the key top 104 may include a plunger(for example plunger 118 like illustrated in FIG. 1C and described inmore detail below).

According to various embodiments, the plunger may be configured todepress the switch 106.

According to various embodiments, the switch 106 may include or may be amechanical switch.

According to various embodiments, the mechanical switch may include ormay be a micro switch.

According to various embodiments, the switch 106 may include a rubberdome.

According to various embodiments, the second end may directly be coupledto the lower portion.

According to various embodiments, the second end may be surrounded by athreaded insert.

According to various embodiments, the second end may be coupled to thelower portion via a lever member (for example lever member 116 likeillustrated in FIG. 1C and described in more detail below).

According to various embodiments, the lever member may be coupled to thekey top 104 so that when the key top 104 is depressed, the biasingelement 108 is depressed.

According to various embodiments, the lever member may include a joint.

According to various embodiments, the second end may be coupled to thelower portion via the switch 106.

According to various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 110 may beaccessible via the lower portion.

According to various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 110 mayinclude or may be a screw.

According to various embodiments, the second end may be surrounded by athreaded insert configured to engage with the screw.

According to various embodiments, the lower portion may include a holeconfigured to expose the screw.

According to various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 110 mayinclude or may be a dial.

According to various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 110 mayinclude or may be a sliding element.

According to various embodiments, the sliding element may be configuredto be slided in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to adirection between the first end and the second end.

According to various embodiments, the input device 100 may include ormay be or may be included in a computer mouse, and/or a joystick, and/ora gamepad, and/or a keyboard.

According to various embodiments, the upper portion comprises a furtherkey top coupled to a further switch and to a further biasing element.The adjustment mechanism 110 may further be configured to adjust apretension of the further biasing element. In other words, theadjustment mechanism may simultaneously adjust pretensions of aplurality of biasing element for a plurality of key tops.

FIG. 1C shows an input device 114 according to various embodiments. Theinput device 114 may, similar to the input device 100 of FIG. 1B,include a housing 102. The housing 102 may include an upper portion anda lower portion. The input device 114 may, similar to the input device100 of FIG. 1B, further include a key top 104 provided at (for exampleon) the upper portion of the housing 102. The input device 114 may,similar to the input device 100 of FIG. 1B, further include a switch 106coupled to the key top 104. The input device 114 may, similar to theinput device 100 of FIG. 1B, further include a biasing element 108 (inother words: biasing member; for example a spring or any other kind ofbiasing mechanism) having a first end and a second end. The first endmay be coupled to the key top 104. The second end may be coupled to thelower portion of the housing 102. The input device 114 may, similar tothe input device 100 of FIG. 1B, further include an adjustment mechanism110 configured to adjust a pretension of the biasing element 108. Theinput device 114 may further include a lever member 116, like will bedescribed in more detail below. The input device 114 may further includea plunger 118, like will be described in more detail below. The housing102, the key top 104, the switch 106, the biasing element 108, theadjustment mechanism 110, the lever member 116, and the plunger 118 maybe coupled with each other, like indicated by lines 120, for exampleelectrically coupled, for example using a line or a cable, and/ormechanically coupled.

According to various embodiments, the switch 106 may include adepressible portion. The depressible portion may be the portion of theswitch 106 which may be actuated due to a user pressing the key top 104,so that the switch 106 may close or may provide any other kind ofelectrical signal.

According to various embodiments, the depressible portion may becoupleable (in other words: engageable) to the key top 104 via the levermember 116 and the plunger 118. In other words, when a user presses thekey top 104, the plunger 118 may provide a force to the lever member116, and the lever member 116 may in turn provide a force to thedepressible portion which may lead to the depressible portion beingpressed. In other words, the switch 106 (and in more detail: thedepressible portion of the switch 106) may be actuated via the plunger118 and the lever member 116 when the user presses the key top 104.

According to various embodiments, the lever member 116 may be coupled tothe lower portion of the housing 102 via a joint.

According to various embodiments, the plunger 118 may be coupleable tothe lever member 116 at a distance from the joint which is at leastsubstantially equal to a distance from the joint at which thedepressible portion is coupleable to the lever member 116. As such, aforce provided to the key top 104 may (via the plunger 118 and the levermember 116) be provided in (at least substantially) an unchanged amountto the depressible portion. In other words: a force required to depressthe plunger 118 may be (at least substantially) equal to a switch forceof the depressible portion of the switch 106.

According to various embodiments, the plunger 118 may be coupleable tothe lever member 116 at a distance from the joint which is larger than adistance from the joint at which the depressible portion is coupleableto the lever member 116. As such, a force provided to the key top 104may (via the plunger 118 and the lever member 116) be provided in anincreased amount to the depressible portion. In other words: a forcerequired to depress the plunger 118 may be lower than a switch force ofthe depressible portion of the switch 106.

According to various embodiments, the plunger 118 may be coupleable tothe lever member 116 at a distance from the joint which is smaller thana distance from the joint at which the depressible portion is coupleableto the lever member 116. As such, a force provided to the key top 104may (via the plunger 118 and the lever member 116) be provided in adecreased amount to the depressible portion. In other words: a forcerequired to depress the plunger 118 may be larger than a switch force ofthe depressible portion of the switch 106.

According to various embodiments, an input device (for example a mouse)may have an adjustable mechanism located between the switch actuator (ofthe mouse) and the base of the mouse, the adjustable mechanism having abiasing means (for example a spring mechanism), one end of which isconnected to the outer shell of the mouse, the other end of which isconnected to a user adjustable element (in other words: an adjustmentmechanism), the user adjustable element adjustable by a user from thebase of the input device, wherein the adjustable element allows forcompression and expansion of the adjustable mechanism to customize theclick force and tactile feel of the switch actuator.

The mechanism according to various embodiments may give users theability to change the click force of a mouse as per their preferences,reducing accidental clicks or enabling users to get higher click speedsas per desired.

Various embodiments may enable the user to customize click force andalso adjust the tactile feel and/or the switch rebound characteristicsof the switch.

According to various embodiments, an adjustable click force mouse may beprovided. The mouse may allow a user to customize the click force of thebutton for different gaming requirements.

According to various embodiments, a mechanism for adjusting a clickforce and a tactile feel of an input device, for example a mouse, may beprovided. The mechanism may provide users the ability to change theclick force of a mouse as per their preferences, reducing accidentalclicks or enabling users to get higher click speeds as per desired.Adding this mechanism in a mouse creates an additional level ofcustomizability for mice. Users who accidentally click their mousebutton would want to increase their click force, while those who wantfaster response ingame may choose to decrease click force needed. Usersmay also be able to experiment with different click forces to find theirmost preferred tactile feed or increase click speed which is desirablefor certain games such as MOBA and RTS games. Furthermore, the mechanismmay enable the user to adjust the tactile feel or the switch reboundcharacteristics of a switch inside the mouse.

According to various embodiments, an adjustable mechanism locatedbetween the switch actuator (of the mouse) and the base of the mouse maybe provided. The adjustable mechanism may have a biasing means (forexample a spring), one end of which may be connected to the outer shellof the mouse, and the other end of which may be connected to a useradjustable element. The user adjustable element may be adjustable by auser from the base (in other words: via a lower portion of the housing;in other words: via a bottom surface of a housing) of the mouse, whereinthe adjustable element (for example a screw) allows for compression andexpansion of the adjustable mechanism to customize the click force andtactile feel of the switch actuator. According to various embodiments,the user adjustable element can be a dial that facilitates rotation ofthe adjustable element in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.According to various embodiments, when the user adjustable element isrotated in a direction (for example clockwise direction) the click forcewould be increased (or decreased) and when the adjustable element isrotated in an opposite direction (for example anti-clockwise) the clickforce would be decreased (or increased). According to variousembodiments, using a spring may lead to a more satisfying tactile feelfor the user. According to various embodiments, the adjustable elementmay be rotated with a finger or a coin or any other suitable device thatcan rotate the adjustable element. The compression force of the springmay be tweaked with a small screwdriver from beneath the mouse. Thisadjustable spring may be especially effective with gaming mice.According to various embodiments, guide lines or markers are provided onthe adjustable element or housing that indicates variability of clickforces.

FIG. 2 shows an input device 200 according to various embodiments. Anouter shell (for example an upper portion 202 of the housing, in otherwords: a top surface of a housing of the input device) of the inputdevice may be connected (or may include) a plunger 204 (which may alsobe referred to as a key cover actuator). The upper portion 202 of thehousing may include a key top, which may be connected to the plunger204. The plunger 204 may be configured to depress a switch 206 (forexample a micro-switch), once the upper portion 202 (and thus theplunger 204) is pressed by a user. A biasing element 210, for example aspring (in other words: spring mechanism) may be connected to outershell (for example to a lower portion 208 of a housing of the inputdevice, in other words: a bottom surface of the housing of the inputdevice). A screw 212 (for example a lead screw with detents) may beprovided to compress or expand (in other words: to change a pre-tension)the biasing element 210 (for example spring) to a desired resistance. Ascrew driver 214 may be used to drive the screw 212, for example via ahole in the lower portion 208 of the housing of the input device.

According to various embodiments, adjusting the biasing element 210 (forexample spring; for example by driving (in other words: turning) thescrew 214) may lead to a satisfying tactile feel for the user.

FIG. 3 shows an input device 300 according to various embodiments.Various portions of the input device 300 may be identical or similar toportions of the input device 200 of FIG. 2, so that the same referencesigns may be used, and that duplicate description may be omitted. In theinput device 300 shown in FIG. 3, the biasing element 210 (for examplethe spring) may be connected to the switch 206 (for example the microswitch), with the screw 212 (in other words: the screw mechanism)pushing the switch 206 up to change the tension.

FIG. 4 shows an input device 400 according to various embodiments.Various portions of the input device 400 may be identical or similar toportions of the input device 200 of FIG. 2, so that the same referencesigns may be used, and that duplicate description may be omitted. In theinput device 400 shown in FIG. 4, a sliding mechanism 402 may beprovided to compress the biasing element 210 (for example the spring)instead of (in other words: rather than) a screw mechanism. For example,when the sliding mechanism is moved in the direction of a left arrow404, the biasing element 210 may be compressed and thus the pre-tensionof the biasing element may be increased. For example, when the slidingmechanism is moved in the direction of a right arrow 406, the biasingelement 210 may be extended and thus the pre-tension of the biasingelement may be reduced.

FIG. 5 shows an input device 500 according to various embodiments.Various portions of the input device 500 may be identical or similar toportions of the input device 200 of FIG. 2, so that the same referencesigns may be used, and that duplicate description may be omitted. In theinput device 500 shown in FIG. 5, the biasing element 210 (for examplespring mechanism) may be connected to the plunger 204 via a cantilever502.

FIG. 6 shows an input device 600 according to various embodiments.Various portions of the input device 600 may be identical or similar toportions of the input device 200 of FIG. 2 and the input device 500 ofFIG. 5, so that the same reference signs may be used, and that duplicatedescription may be omitted.

In the input device 600, similar to the input device 500 of FIG. 5,instead of the biasing element 210 (for example spring) being attachedto the upper casing (in other words an upper portion 202 of the housing)of the input device (for example mouse), the biasing element 210 (forexample spring) may be attached to another component (for example thelever arm, for example the cantilever 502 like shown in FIG. 5 (whichmay also be referred to as a key arm lever); in other words: levermember) that is in turn affixed to the plunger 204 of the mouse button(in other words: key top provided in the upper portion 202 of thehousing of the input device 600). The lever element 502 may rotatearound a joint 604 when the key top is pressed. A threaded insert 602may receive the screw 212 (for example an M (metric) screw, followingthe metric system of measurement, or for example a screw which followsthe Imperial standard, for example inches). The biasing element 210 (forexample spring) may be coupled to the lever element 502 via a pin 308.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view 700 of the input device shown in FIG. 6. Likeillustrated in FIG. 7, there may be provided a screw 212 for each of twokeys of the input device. However, it will be understood that any numberof keys may be provided in an input device according to variousembodiments, and that each of these keys or only a subset of these keysmay be provided with the biasing element and screw according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view 800 of the input device shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows a side view 900 of the input device shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view 1000 of a lever and key mechanismprovided in the input device shown in FIG. 6. A detent spring 1002 maybe provided.

FIG. 11 shows a further perspective view 1100 of the lever and keymechanism shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view 1200 of the lever and key mechanism shownin FIG. 10. The detents 1202 of the screw 212 are shown.

According to various embodiments, the biasing element 210 (for examplespring) may provide an adjustable force by turning the screw 212.

Detents 1202 may be in built to provide a click from the detent spring1102.

FIG. 13A shows a side view of an input device 1300 according to variousembodiments. Various portions of the input device 1300 may be identicalor similar to portions of the input device 200 of FIG. 2, of the inputdevice 500 of FIG. 5, or of the input device 600 of FIG. 6 so that thesame reference signs may be used, and that duplicate description may beomitted.

In the input device 1300 illustrated in FIG. 13A, the contact portion1304 of the switch 206 (in other words: the depressible portion 1304 ofthe switch 206) is provided (at least substantially) at the samedistance from the joint 604 with respect to the lever element 502 (whichmay also be referred to as a cantilever or a lever arm) as the plunger204. As such, when the user presses the top portion 202 (for examplecorresponding to a button of the input device 1300) like indicated byarrow 1302, the force required to depress the depressible portion 1304(which may be referred to as switch force) provides a directcontribution (in other words: a contribution with a factor of (at leastsubstantially) equal to 1) to the force required to depress the topportion 202. In other words, due to the (at least substantially) samedistance to the joint 202 of the plunger 204 and the depressible portion1304, the minimum force required by a user pressing the top portion 202like indicated by arrow 1302 to depress the depressible portion 1304(assuming that there is no pretension by the spring 210) is equal to theswitch force.

FIG. 13B shows a side view of an input device 1306 according to variousembodiments. Various portions of the input device 1306 may be identicalor similar to portions of the input device 200 of FIG. 2, of the inputdevice 500 of FIG. 5, of the input device 600 of FIG. 6, or of the inputdevice 1300 of FIG. 13A so that the same reference signs may be used,and that duplicate description may be omitted. In the input device 1306,the screw 212 is moved in further compared to the input device 1300 ofFIG. 13A. As such, the pretension provided by the spring 210 is higherin the input device 1306 compared to the input device 1300 of FIG. 13A.It will be understood that although the above description makesreference to the input device 1300 of FIG. 13A and the input device 1306of FIG. 13B, the input device 1300 and the input device 1306 may be oneand the same input device, wherein only the position of the screw 212 ischanged (for example using the screw driver 214).

FIG. 14A shows a side view of an input device 1400 according to variousembodiments. Various portions of the input device 1306 may be identicalor similar to portions of the input device 200 of FIG. 2, of the inputdevice 500 of FIG. 5, of the input device 600 of FIG. 6, or of the inputdevice 1300 of FIG. 13A so that the same reference signs may be used,and that duplicate description may be omitted.

In the input device 1400 illustrated in FIG. 14A, the contact portion1402 of the switch 206 (in other words: the depressible portion 1402 ofthe switch 206) is provided closer the joint 604 with respect to thelever element 502 than the plunger 204. As such, when the user pressesthe top portion 202 (for example corresponding to a button of the inputdevice 1300) like indicated by arrow 1302, the force required to depressthe depressible portion 1402 (which may be referred to as switch force)provides a contribution with a factor of less than 1 to the forcerequired to depress the top portion 202. In other words, due to thedifferent distance to the joint 202 of the plunger 204 and thedepressible portion 1402, the minimum force required by a user pressingthe top portion 202 like indicated by arrow 1302 to depress thedepressible portion 1304 (assuming that there is no pretension by thespring 210) may be lower than the switch force.

FIG. 14B shows a side view of an input device 1404 according to variousembodiments. Various portions of the input device 1306 may be identicalor similar to portions of the input device 200 of FIG. 2, of the inputdevice 500 of FIG. 5, of the input device 600 of FIG. 6, of the inputdevice 1300 of FIG. 13A, or of the input device 1400 of FIG. 14A, sothat the same reference signs may be used, and that duplicatedescription may be omitted. In the input device 1404, the screw 212 ismoved in further compared to the input device 1400 of FIG. 14A. As such,the pretension provided by the spring 210 is higher in the input device1404 compared to the input device 1400 of FIG. 14A. It will beunderstood that although the above description makes reference to theinput device 1400 of FIG. 14A and the input device 1404 of FIG. 14B, theinput device 1400 and the input device 1404 may be one and the sameinput device, wherein only the position of the screw 212 is changed (forexample using the screw driver 214).

FIG. 15A shows a diagram 1500 illustrating the various distances in aninput device according to various embodiments. Various portions of theinput device 1306 may be identical or similar to portions of the inputdevice 200 of FIG. 2, of the input device 500 of FIG. 5, of the inputdevice 600 of FIG. 6, of the input device 1300 of FIG. 13A, or of theinput device 1400 of FIG. 14A, so that the same reference signs may beused, and that duplicate description may be omitted.

Let F_(x) be the force at the spring 210, for example at a distance xfrom the pivot of joint 604, like indicated by 1502. Let F_(y) be theforce at the depressible portion 1402 of the switch 206, for example ata distance y from the pivot of joint 604, like indicated by 1504. LetF_(z) be the force at a finger of a user of the input device 1400 (onthe upper portion 202), which for example may coincide with the positionof the plunger 204, for example at a distance z from the pivot of joint604, like indicated by 1506. Then the following equation holds:F _(z) z=F _(y) y+F _(x) x,and thus

$F_{z} = {\frac{\left( {{F_{y}y} + {F_{x}x}} \right)}{z} = {{\frac{y}{z}F_{y}} + {\frac{x}{z}{F_{x}.}}}}$

As can be seen from this equation, if, like in the input device 1400shown in FIG. 14A, the depressible portion 1402 of the switch 206 iscloser to the joint 604 than the plunger 204, the contribution of F_(y)to F_(z) is weighted by a factor of less than 1, as in this case y issmaller than z, and thus

$\frac{y}{z}$is smaller than 1. In the input device 1400 shown in FIG. 14A, byseparating Y and Z, i.e., by having an actuating location which is notin line with the switch, the actuating force may be below the switchforce. Thus, the lowest possible actuation force may be lower than theoperating force of the switch. This is because the 2 lines of action (asabove) are separated.

If, however, like in the input device 1300 shown in FIG. 13A, thedepressible portion 1304 of the switch 206 is basically at the sameposition with respect to that joint 604 as the plunger 204, thecontribution of F_(y) to F_(z) is weighted by a factor of (at leastsubstantially) equal to 1, as in this case, y is (at leastsubstantially) equal to z, and thus

$\frac{y}{z}$is (at least substantially) equal to 1. In the input device 1300 shownin FIGS. 13A, Y and Z are in line (with each other), i.e., the actuationlocation is in line with the switch. Hence the lowest actuation force isthe switch force, and it cannot be lower than the switch force. In otherwords, the lowest possible actuation force is the operating force of theswitch. As described above, this is because the line of actuation is thesame as the switch line of actuation.

FIG. 15B shows a diagram 1508 illustrating the various distances in aninput device according to various embodiments. Various portions of theinput device 1306 may be identical or similar to portions of the inputdevice 200 of FIG. 2, of the input device 500 of FIG. 5, of the inputdevice 600 of FIG. 6, of the input device 1300 of FIG. 13A, of the inputdevice 1400 of FIG. 14A, of the input device 1404 of FIG. 14B, or of theinput device 1500 of FIG. 15A, so that the same reference signs may beused, and that duplicate description may be omitted.

According to various embodiments, with a switch force corresponding to amass of 60 g (for example a force of about 0.6 N), in the input device1300 shown in FIG. 13A, the click force may be adjusted in a rangecorresponding to a mass between 60 g and 110 g, while in the inputdevice 1400 shown in FIG. 14A, the click force may be adjusted in arange corresponding to a mass between 50 g and 110 g.

According to various embodiments, devices may be provided, by which thefollowing problems may be solved:

1. Some gamers may click their mouse buttons by mistake because of lowclick force which could have undesirable consequences in game.

2. Different games may have different click requirements. For example,in MOBA and RTS games, being able to click with a high frequency is adesirable function in a mouse, while in FPS (first person shooter)games, users may prefer mice that enable them to click with the leastpossible latency.

3. Once users buy a conventional mouse, they may not be able to alterthe tactile feel of the click in any way. Since different mice may usedifferent suppliers for their micro-switches, the mice may differ interms of tactile feel and click force. Since it is a matter of personalpreference, there is no “one size fits all” solution to this problem.

Various embodiments may enable users to customize the click force toprevent accidental clicking.

Various embodiments may enable users to change (in other words: tweak)the click force and tactile feel to their preferences to get high clickfrequency or low latency, ensuring their settings can match the gamethey are playing.

Various embodiments may enable users to change the tactile feel of theclick to suit their preferences.

Various embodiments may be used in a gaming mouse which may be providedas a mouse that is ideal for any kind of game based on its clickcustomization capabilities.

According to various embodiments, the biasing element may include or maybe a spring, for example a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a springplate, or a linear spring.

According to various embodiments, there are various options for theposition of the spring and what it is being connected to, for example,the spring connected to the top cover and the micro-switch instead ofbottom of the mouse to the plunger/actuator.

According to various embodiments, a mechanism (or position of) by whichthe biasing element (for example spring) is tensed may be provided, forexample, i.e., through a sliding mechanism placed at the bottom, orthrough a screw mechanism accessible from the top of the mouse ratherthan the bottom.

The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

Example 1 is an input device comprising: a housing comprising an upperportion and a lower portion; a key top provided at the upper portion; aswitch coupled to the key top; a biasing element comprising a first endand a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the key top, andwherein the second end is coupled to the lower portion; and anadjustment mechanism configured to adjust a pretension of the biasingelement.

In example 2, the subject-matter of example 1 can optionally includethat the biasing element comprises a spring.

In example 3, the subject-matter of example 2 can optionally includethat the spring comprises at least one of a linear spring, a torsionspring, a leaf spring, or a spring plate.

In example 4, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 3 canoptionally include that the key top comprises a plunger.

In example 5, the subject-matter of example 4 can optionally includethat the plunger is configured to depress the switch.

In example 6, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 5 canoptionally include that the switch comprises a mechanical switch.

In example 7, the subject-matter of example 6 can optionally includethat the mechanical switch comprises a micro switch.

In example 8, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 7 canoptionally include that the switch comprises a rubber dome.

In example 9, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 8 canoptionally include that the second end is directly coupled to the lowerportion.

In example 10, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 9 canoptionally include that the second end is surrounded by a threadedinsert.

In example 11, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 10 canoptionally include that the second end is coupled to the lower portionvia a lever member.

In example 12, the subject-matter of example 11 can optionally includethat the lever member is coupled to the key top so that when the key topis depressed, the biasing element is depressed.

In example 13, the subject-matter of any one of examples 11 to 12 canoptionally include that the lever member comprises a joint.

In example 14, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 13 canoptionally include that the second end is coupled to the lower portionvia the switch.

In example 15, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 14 canoptionally include that the adjustment mechanism is accessible via thelower portion.

In example 16, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 15 canoptionally include that the adjustment mechanism comprises a screw.

In example 17, the subject-matter of example 16 can optionally includethat the second end is surrounded by a threaded insert configured toengage with the screw.

In example 18, the subject-matter of any one of examples 16 to 17 canoptionally include that the lower portion comprises a hole configured toexpose the screw.

In example 19, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 18 canoptionally include that the adjustment mechanism comprises a dial.

In example 20, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 19 canoptionally include that the adjustment mechanism comprises a slidingelement.

In example 21, the subject-matter of example 20 can optionally includethat the sliding element is configured to be slided in a direction atleast substantially perpendicular to a direction between the first endand the second end.

In example 22, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 21 canoptionally include that the input device comprises at least one of acomputer mouse, a joystick, a gamepad, or a keyboard.

In example 23, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 22 canoptionally include that the upper portion comprises a further key topcoupled to a further switch and to a further biasing element, and thatthe adjustment mechanism is further configured to adjust a pretension ofthe further biasing element.

In example 24, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 23 canoptionally include: a lever member; and a plunger; wherein the switchcomprises a depressible portion; and wherein the depressible portion iscoupleable to the key top via the lever member and the plunger.

In example 25, the subject-matter of example 24 can optionally includethat the lever member is coupled to the lower portion via a joint.

In example 26, the subject-matter of example 25 can optionally includethat the plunger is coupleable to the lever member at a distance fromthe joint which is at least substantially equal to a distance from thejoint at which the depressible portion is coupleable to the levermember.

In example 27, the subject-matter of any one of examples 25 to 26 canoptionally include that the plunger is coupleable to the lever member ata distance from the joint which is larger than a distance from the jointat which the depressible portion is coupleable to the lever member.

In example 28, the subject-matter of any one of examples 25 to 27 canoptionally include that the plunger is coupleable to the lever member ata distance from the joint which is smaller than a distance from thejoint at which the depressible portion is coupleable to the levermember.

The following examples pertain to yet further embodiments.

Example E1 is an input device comprising: a housing comprising an upperportion and a lower portion; a key top provided at the upper portion; alever member coupled to the lower portion via a joint; a plunger; and aswitch comprising a depressible portion coupleable to the key top viathe lever member and the plunger; wherein the plunger is coupleable tothe lever member at a distance from the joint which is different from adistance from the joint at which the depressible portion is coupleableto the lever member.

In example E2, the subject-matter of example E1 can optionally includethat the plunger is coupleable to the lever member at a distance fromthe joint which is larger than a distance from the joint at which thedepressible portion is coupleable to the lever member.

In example E3, the subject-matter of any one of examples E1 to E2 canoptionally include that the plunger is coupleable to the lever member ata distance from the joint which is smaller than a distance from thejoint at which the depressible portion is coupleable to the levermember.

In example E4, the subject-matter of any one of examples E1 to E3 canoptionally include: a biasing element comprising a first end and asecond end, wherein the first end is coupled to the key top, and whereinthe second end is coupled to the lower portion; and an adjustmentmechanism configured to adjust a pretension of the biasing element.

In example E5, the subject-matter of example E4 can optionally includethat the biasing element comprises a spring.

In example E6, the subject-matter of example E5 can optionally includethat the spring comprises at least one of a linear spring, a torsionspring, a leaf spring, or a spring plate.

In example E7, the subject-matter of any one of examples E1 to E6 canoptionally include that the key top comprises the plunger.

In example E8, the subject-matter of example E7 can optionally includethat the plunger is configured to depress the switch.

In example E9, the subject-matter of any one of examples E1 to E8 canoptionally include that the switch comprises a mechanical switch.

In example E10, the subject-matter of any one of examples E1 to E9 canoptionally include that the mechanical switch comprises a micro switch.

In example E11, the subject-matter of any one of examples E1 to E10 canoptionally include that the switch comprises a rubber dome.

In example E12, the subject-matter of any one of examples E4, E5, or E6can optionally include that the second end is directly coupled to thelower portion.

In example E13, the subject-matter of any one of examples E4, E5, E6, orE12 can optionally include that the second end is surrounded by athreaded insert.

In example E14, the subject-matter of any one of examples E4, E5, E6,E12, or E13 can optionally include that the second end is coupled to thelower portion via the lever member.

In example E15, the subject-matter of example E14 can optionally includethat the lever member is coupled to the key top so that when the key topis depressed, the biasing element is depressed.

In example E16, the subject-matter of any one of examples E14 to E15 canoptionally include that the lever member comprises the joint.

In example E17, the subject-matter of any one of examples E4 to E6 orE12 to E16 can optionally include that the second end is coupled to thelower portion via the switch.

In example E18, the subject-matter of any one of examples E4 to E6 orE12 to E17 can optionally include that the adjustment mechanism isaccessible via the lower portion.

In example E19, the subject-matter of any one of examples E4 to E6 orE12 to E18 can optionally include that the adjustment mechanismcomprises a screw.

In example E20, the subject-matter of example E19 can optionally includethat the second end is surrounded by a threaded insert configured toengage with the screw.

In example E21, the subject-matter of any one of examples E19 to E20 canoptionally include that the lower portion comprises a hole configured toexpose the screw.

In example E22, the subject-matter of any one of examples E4 to E6 orE12 to E21 can optionally include that the adjustment mechanismcomprises a dial.

In example E23, the subject-matter of any one of examples E4 to E6 orE12 to E22 can optionally include that the adjustment mechanismcomprises a sliding element.

In example E24, the subject-matter of example E23 can optionally includethat the sliding element is configured to be slided in a direction atleast substantially perpendicular to a direction between the first endand the second end.

In example E25, the subject-matter of any one of examples E1 to E24 canoptionally include that the input device comprises at least one of acomputer mouse, a joystick, a gamepad, or a keyboard.

In example E26, the subject-matter of any one of examples E4 to E6 orE12 to E24 can optionally include that the upper portion comprises afurther key top coupled to a further switch and to a further biasingelement; and wherein the adjustment mechanism is further configured toadjust a pretension of the further biasing element.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thusindicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended tobe embraced.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An input device comprising: a housingcomprising an upper portion and a lower portion; a key top provided atthe upper portion; a lever member coupled to the lower portion via ajoint; a plunger; a switch comprising a depressible portion, thedepressible portion being actuated via the lever member and the plungerwhen the key top is pressed, wherein, when the plunger is depressed, afirst distance between the joint and a first point at which the plungeris in contact with the lever member is different from a second distancebetween the joint and a second point at which the depressible portion isin contact with the lever member; a biasing element comprising a firstend and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the levermember, and wherein the second end is coupled to the lower portion suchthat the biasing element biases the lever member against pivoting aboutthe joint; and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a pretensionof the biasing element.
 2. The input device of claim 1, wherein thefirst distance is larger than the second distance.
 3. The input deviceof claim 1, wherein the biasing element comprises a spring.
 4. The inputdevice of claim 1, wherein the key top is connected to the plunger. 5.The input device of claim 1, wherein the switch comprises one of amechanical switch or a rubber dome.
 6. The input device of claim 1,wherein the second end is directly coupled to the lower portion.
 7. Theinput device of claim 1, wherein the second end is surrounded by athreaded insert.
 8. The input device of claim 1, wherein the levermember is coupled to the key top so that when the key top is depressed,the biasing element is depressed.
 9. The input device of claim 1,wherein the lever member comprises the joint.
 10. The input device ofclaim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is accessible via the lowerportion.
 11. The input device of claim 1, wherein the adjustmentmechanism comprises at least one of a screw or a sliding element. 12.The input device of claim 11, wherein the second end is surrounded by athreaded insert configured to engage with the screw.
 13. The inputdevice of claim 11, wherein the lower portion comprises a holeconfigured to expose the screw.
 14. The input device of claim 11,wherein the sliding element is configured to be slided in a direction atleast perpendicular to a direction between the first end and the secondend.
 15. The input device of claim 1, wherein the input device comprisesat least one of a computer mouse, a joystick, a gamepad, or a keyboard.16. The input device of claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises afurther key top coupled to a further switch and to a further biasingelement; and wherein the adjustment mechanism is further configured toadjust a pretension of the further biasing element.